Question 1

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes — it depends on your state/territory, purchase price, property type, and whether you meet eligibility rules. Many states offer a full exemption or partial concession for eligible first home buyers, which can reduce stamp duty to $0 in some cases. Use the Stamp Duty Calculator above and switch on First Home Buyer to see an estimate.

Question 2

How much stamp duty will I pay as a first home buyer?

Accepted Answer

There isn't one national amount because each state has different thresholds and concessions. Your stamp duty can range from $0 to the standard rate depending on your price and eligibility. Select your state and toggle First Home Buyer to calculate your estimate instantly.

Question 3

What is a first home buyer stamp duty concession (and how does it work)?

Accepted Answer

A concession reduces the stamp duty payable if you satisfy conditions such as being a genuine first home buyer and living in the home as your principal place of residence. Some concessions apply only to new homes or vacant land, and some have price caps. This calculator shows an estimate based on the details you select.

Question 4

Why does my first home buyer stamp duty show $0?

Accepted Answer

If you see $0, it usually means your details fall under a full exemption threshold for your state (subject to eligibility). You should still confirm the final assessment with your conveyancer or the relevant state revenue office because extra criteria can apply.

Question 5

How do I calculate Victorian stamp duty (VIC)?

Accepted Answer

Victoria uses tiered duty rules that depend on the property value and buyer situation (e.g., first home buyer, investor, foreign purchaser). The quickest way is to choose VIC in this stamp duty calculator, enter your price, and toggle the buyer options that apply. The tool calculates the duty estimate based on those selections.

Question 6

How do I calculate stamp duty in NSW?

Accepted Answer

NSW stamp duty (transfer duty) is calculated using progressive rate bands based on the property value, plus any surcharges and minus any eligible concessions. Select NSW in the calculator and toggle First Home Buyer and/or Foreign Buyer to see your estimated stamp duty.

Question 7

How much is stamp duty on a $500,000 property?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the state/territory and your buyer type (first home buyer, owner-occupier, investor, foreign purchaser). Select your state, enter $500,000, and toggle your buyer details to calculate stamp duty for your scenario.

Question 8

How much is stamp duty on a $750,000 property?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty at $750,000 varies widely between states and can change significantly if a first home buyer concession applies. Use the calculator, enter $750,000, and switch state/territory and buyer options to get an estimate.

Question 9

How much is stamp duty on a $1,000,000 property?

Accepted Answer

At $1,000,000, stamp duty is typically substantial and can increase further if foreign buyer surcharges apply. Enter $1,000,000, choose your state, and toggle buyer details to calculate your estimate and compare scenarios.

Question 10

Who pays stamp duty — the buyer or the seller?

Accepted Answer

In most standard residential property purchases in Australia, the buyer pays stamp duty. Sellers usually don't pay stamp duty when selling (though they may have other costs like agent fees or capital gains tax considerations).

Question 11

When do you pay stamp duty in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty is generally paid around settlement (timing varies by state/territory and transaction type). Your conveyancer or lender will confirm the exact due date and payment process for your purchase.

Question 12

How is stamp duty calculated (rates and percentage)?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty is usually calculated using tiered rates (brackets) where different portions of the property value are taxed at different rates — it's not always a single flat percentage. That's why two properties with different prices can have very different duty outcomes. This calculator applies the relevant rate bands for the state/territory you select to estimate the total.

Question 13

Are government fees included in stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

Not always. "Stamp duty" generally refers to the duty/tax itself, but buyers often also pay separate government fees at settlement such as transfer registration fees and mortgage registration fees. That's why MoneyWiseCalc can show Stamp Duty Total, Government Fees Total, and Total Government Costs (duty + fees) for a more complete budget picture.